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What do you wear while touring?

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Old 01-20-14 | 08:05 PM
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From: NE Ohio

Bikes: 1992 Serotta Colorado II,Co-Motion Speedster, Giant Escape Hybrid, 1977 Schwinn Super Le Tour

What do you wear while touring?

I usually ride with lycra type cyclig shorts and a jersey of some type. But I just tried a pair of knicker type pants from Rivendale. I will wear my cycling shorts or a liner underneath as I still want the pad. I have been wanting to have some "other type" of cycle clothing as we go cross country this year.
So what "non cycling" type of clothing do you wear?
Thanks!
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Old 01-20-14 | 08:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Tandem Tom
So what "non cycling" type of clothing do you wear?
While riding? If so, none.
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Old 01-20-14 | 08:47 PM
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All "non-cycling". I like pockets even if they`re mostly empty while pedalling. Have taken to cut off and hemmed polyester slacks for the combination of thin seams, quick(ish) drying, pockets, and lose enough without being baggy. On the top side, button up shirts. With pockets.

EDIT: My uniform lends itself well to stealth too- I have more than once had people comment that they thought I was the UPS/USPS/Fedex guy.

Last edited by rodar y rodar; 01-20-14 at 08:51 PM.
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Old 01-21-14 | 12:35 AM
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From: Gothenburg, Sweden

Bikes: Bianchi Lupo & Bianchi Volpe Disc: touring. Bianchi Volpe: commuting

What do you wear while touring?

Cotton t-shirt with arms cut off, nylon running shorts, regular cotton underpants, cotton socks and running shoes.
Same gear I'd go running in.

I've tested modern alternatives, but still prefer old school, low tech clothes
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Old 01-21-14 | 01:08 AM
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Originally Posted by indyfabz
While riding? If so, none.
I think that's illegal in most places
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Old 01-21-14 | 01:37 AM
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^^Bike Naked Day may be illegal, but it doesn`t seem to be very strictly enforced.
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Old 01-21-14 | 03:23 AM
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Tops-- I used to wear jerseys on tour, and then I discovered wicking T-shirts, and gave up the jerseys. Wicking T-shirts are so much more versatile. You can put them into an on-the-bike/off-the-bike rotation, whereas with jerseys, they don't really suit the off-the-bike time.

I also wear long-sleeved merino wool, polypro, and polar fleece ... none of which is cycling specific.


Bottoms-- I do like cycling shorts, and brought 3 on our RTW tour, but next time I think I'd only bring 2 pair. Otherwise, I bring a pair of basketball shorts, a couple pair of capris, a pair of convertible pants, and a pair of non-cycling tights.


Touring Attire

Wicking T-shirt & Cycling Shorts





Wicking T-shirt & Polypro & Cycling Shorts & Leg Warmers



Wicking T-shirt & Fleece & Capris
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Old 01-21-14 | 04:51 AM
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I prefer to wear lycra bike shorts and/or tights with either bike jerseys or tech tee shirts. These days I mostly use the tees.

I have never seen the need to cover up my bike shorts or tights. To me looking like a cyclist is fine.
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Old 01-21-14 | 06:27 AM
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If I knew then what I know now, I would have covered up as much as possible. Sun damage can be serious. You aren't aware of it when you are in your twenties or thirties, but as you get older the spots on your face or arms or legs .more worrisome, and the visits to the dermatologist more frequent.

The Bedouins know how to dress for the sun.
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Old 01-21-14 | 06:33 AM
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Sun? The sun shines when you ride? 80-90% of the time it rains on me ... I had to really hunt for photos of me without rain gear on.
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Old 01-21-14 | 07:09 AM
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I wear the shorts part of zip off leg lightweight nylon hiking pants over bike shorts.
I can't get myself to wear just the black lycra when touring...probably my imagination, but it seems harder to meet people when I just wear lycra

On top, wicking tee shirts. Synthetics for all other weather conditions as well.

We go on extended road trips by car and the only cotton I carry any more is a pair of blue jeans. I've even changed over to synthetic boxers (Undertech from Kmart.. 2 pairs for 12 bucks) and socks. So much lighter, cooler, less wrinkly, more compact, and easier to launder and dry. Some of the tees look and feel very much cotton.
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Old 01-21-14 | 07:58 AM
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Ditto the sun damage. I wear a lightweight nylon trekking shirt with long sleeves, a collar, buttons, pockets. I wear baggy touring shorts but will consider long, light pants for my next trip. I do a lot of off-bike activities every day when I tour and I don't really want to look or feel like the alien from outer space. Same issue when traveling to and from endpoints--I can wear my cycling clothing comfortably.
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Old 01-21-14 | 08:57 AM
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Nice warm days!
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Old 01-21-14 | 09:09 AM
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I added a soft hat with a big floppy brim to keep some sun off my face. My face is still recovering from damage taken in last years Euro tour. I didn't use sunscreen because sweat kept making it run into my eyes and burn. I may need to find a better sunscreen for South America.
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Old 01-21-14 | 10:46 AM
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I wear a Bib and Bike Jersey. My Ireland Tour involved tights and wearing rain gear (jacket and pants) the whole time too.
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Old 01-21-14 | 10:54 AM
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The only bike specific piece of clothing that I wear are shorts with a chamois and I typically wear other shorts over them. Kuhl makes great hiking/outdoor clothing that is much more my style than looking like a racer while I'm on a tour. In this photo I have a Kuhl "Rumblr" shirt that's a climate control/odor guard fabric and Kuhl "Renegade" shorts that are a stretchy, UV resistant, lightweight material. They also have a gusseted crotch that makes them crazy comfy. And no, I dont work for Kuhl

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Old 01-21-14 | 11:47 AM
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I make great use of arm / leg warmers and wind breaker jacket that the sleeves can be removed to leave just a wind vest.
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Old 01-21-14 | 12:23 PM
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I wear a visor buff when I am riding in the warmer parts of the year. Keeps the sun off, the sweat out of my eyes, and is quite cool. Does look a bit outlandish.

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Old 01-21-14 | 01:16 PM
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Ordinary Lycra shorts and jerseys. I like jersey pockets and zipper. This is bike attire because it's functional. Wicks, pad stays put, doesn't chafe. I use sun arm covers when it's sunny, regular arm warmers and leg warmers when it's cool. Legs don't get as much sun as arms. I bring a nylon LS shirt and a synthetic top I can wear off the bike or if for some reason I don't want the jersey.
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Old 01-21-14 | 03:10 PM
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staying to the coasts and northern latitudes .. the bike shorts are a Base Layer ..
everything else depends on the weather ..

raingear is popular..

So what "non cycling" type of clothing do you wear?
stuff for sightseeing .. apre Pedal

I bought some North face tech Wear stuff .. its small packing easy care , and looks normal.

and brought comfortable non bike shoes to walk around in.

Last edited by fietsbob; 01-21-14 at 03:14 PM.
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Old 01-21-14 | 03:44 PM
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I only wear cycling specific clothes when I tour but I've only done short weekenders so far. A person could always wear 100% polyester golf and or t shirts, cotton T's get wet too quick and stay damp a long time vs polyester. The other option which I also do is wear wool. When I tour I wear mountain bike shorts so that if I have to go into a store, or a park, I don't have to worry about the bulge in my short stares...maybe if I was single I might want those stares!!!
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Old 01-21-14 | 04:11 PM
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Lycra short for comfort, wool jersey - particularly if its the base layer - or a tech T. Wear what's comfortable.
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Old 01-21-14 | 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
staying to the coasts and northern latitudes .. the bike shorts are a Base Layer ..
everything else depends on the weather ..

raingear is popular..



stuff for sightseeing .. apre Pedal

I bought some North face tech Wear stuff .. its small packing easy care , and looks normal.

and brought comfortable non bike shoes to walk around in.
I generally wear my club kit while touring, especially in colder months since I have some good Fall gear.

I generally have a pair of sport pants within easy reach for when I want to walk into a cathedral or other place where slightly more reserved attire is useful.
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Old 01-21-14 | 04:47 PM
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yea Florida is different than Dingle or Denmark , or Antwerp.
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Old 01-21-14 | 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by staehpj1
I have never seen the need to cover up my bike shorts or tights. To me looking like a cyclist is fine.
+1.

If you're shy, have you considered a pair of gym shorts to pull on when you dismount?

I usually wear bike jerseys because the jerseys I have are more visible than the tech t-shirts I have. Yellow isn't quite as offensive as hi-vis, so I save the hi-vis for overcast, fog or when everything else stinks too bad.
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